The Ultimate Atlantic Canada Travel Guide with Itinerary

Atlantic Canada, a region in East Canada which includes four amazing provinces; New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland & Labrador. And it holds a special place in my heart.

To put it simply, it has endless travel possibilities and things to do. And even better? It’s only a relatively short flight from London and the rest of Europe.

Having now been to all four provinces, I’ve put together this guide and itinerary to help you plan your trip. You can pick out all of the best bits to decide if you want to see one province, combine two provinces, or plan the mother of all road trips to all four.

The options are endless. Enjoy learning about my favourite region of Canada, and let me know if you plan your own Atlantic Canada road trip.

My Atlantic Canada Road Trip – Overview

My Atlantic Canada takes you through four provinces in Atlantic Canada: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador. I didn’t do it this way, I broke it up into four separate visits, but if you have the time this is a great option.

We’ll discuss the full itinerary in the main section below, but for now, I want to share a quick overview of my road trip and Atlantic Canada travel guide together with some essentials that you shouldn’t ignore when coming to this part of Canada the first time.

• Day 1-3: Nova Scotia
• Day 4-6: New Brunswick
• Day 7-9: Prince Edward Island
• Day 10-14: Newfoundland & Labrador

How Long to Spend in Atlantic Canada

A full Atlantic Canada road trip takes about 2 to 3 weeks if you want to see everything without rushing. If you have 10-14 days, you can still visit the key highlights but may need to skip smaller towns or certain hikes.

A 7-day trip works best if you focus on just one or two provinces. For instance, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick or Newfoundland & Labrador and PEI (both examples of trips I have done).

If you’re adding Labrador, plan for extra time due to ferry schedules.

Best Way to Travel in Atlantic Canada?

Driving is by far the best way to explore Atlantic Canada since public transport is very limited. You can hire a car at major airports, and most routes are easy to drive.

If you’re heading to Newfoundland & Labrador, you’ll need to take a ferry from Nova Scotia or fly into St. John’s. Ferries also connect New Brunswick to PEI via the Confederation Bridge.

You can also fly into airports such as Deer Lake from most Canadian hubs. And as I mention below, you can get a flight direct from London Gatwick to St. John, Newfoundland.

Best starting points for a Road Trip in Atlantic Canada

The best place to start depends on your route. Halifax, Nova Scotia, is the most popular starting point since it has the biggest airport and easy access to the Cabot Trail, Annapolis Valley, and ferries to Newfoundland or New Brunswick.

If you’re short on time, Moncton, New Brunswick, is another great option, especially if you’re focusing on Hopewell Rocks, Fundy National Park, and PEI.

I have flown into both airports over the years, and I believe starting from Halifax is better and more convenient.

One starting point I haven’t explored yet but it is next on my list is the WestJet flight from London Gatwick to St. John, Newfoundland. This unbelievably takes under 6 hours!

Did you know? You can fly direct from London to Atlantic Canada in under 6 hours!!

The Ultimate Itinerary for Atlantic Canada

Atlantic Canada is packed with incredible road trips and some of the friendliest towns you’ll ever visit. Yes, Canadians are super friendly, and we all know that, but Eastern Canada is a whole new level.

Please note that this itinerary is the absolute minimum you’ll want to spend in each place, in reality you will always need longer if you can spare it.

Expect beautiful roads on this Atlantic Canada itinerary, fresh seafood, and a mix of adventure and history at every stop. Let’s hit the road!

Day 1-3: Nova Scotia

The first stop is Halifax and Nova Scotia, and I recommend staying here for 3 or more days. This gives you enough time to explore the waterfront, Citadel Hill, and the historic pubs.

Drive to Peggy’s Cove for the iconic lighthouse, then explore Lunenburg for seafood and history. On Day 2, visit Annapolis Valley for wineries and Fundy tides. If you’re combining the trip with New Brunswick, take the Digby ferry to New Brunswick or drive via Amherst.

Then head to Cape Breton for the Cabot Trail before heading west. Spend at least a couple of days on the Cabot Trail. Here is another point you can combine provinces, as you can take the ferry to Prince Edward Island.

Halifax

Halifax has a great waterfront, old pubs, and cool historic spots like Citadel Hill. Walk along the boardwalk, check out the Maritime Museum, and grab some fresh seafood.

Peggy’s Cove

This tiny fishing village is home to Canada’s most famous lighthouse. Climb the huge rocks, take in the ocean views, and snap some photos.

Lunenburg

Lunenburg is a bright, colourful town with lots of history. Walk around the harbour, visit the Fisheries Museum, or take a boat ride to see the Bluenose II.

Annapolis Valley

This area is known for its wineries and crazy tides. Stop by a vineyard for a wine tasting or check out the Bay of Fundy to see the highest tides in the world. You’ll also find the Good Cheer Trail here for breweries, vineyards and wineries.

The Cabot Trail

If I’m honest you could add a whole week to this itinerary to explore the Cabot Trail and Cape Breton National Park. It’s one of the best road trips in North America and has some of the best hiking I’ve done. Take a look at the video below or this article to see why.

Ferry to Digby (or drive to New Brunswick)

The Digby ferry is a scenic 2.5-hour ride that saves driving time which I highly recommend (you can take with a vehicle). If you don’t take the ferry, the Amherst route is the fastest way to New Brunswick.

Day 4-6: New Brunswick

Start with Hopewell Rocks for this new stop on this East and Atlantic Canada travel itinerary, where you can walk on the ocean floor at low tide and kayak at high tide. Drive the Fundy Trail Parkway, stopping for epic viewpoints and waterfalls.

Visit Saint John, then head to Fredericton for craft beer and a stroll along the Wolastoq River. Finish in Fundy National Park, where you can go hiking and spot gorgeous waterfalls.

Hopewell Rocks

Hopewell Rocks is one of the best places in Atlantic Canada where you can see the Bay of Fundy’s massive tides. Walk on the ocean floor at low tide, then come back later to kayak around the same rocks at high tide.

Fundy Trail Parkway

The Fundy Trail Parkway is a nice coastal drive with 21 viewpoints, waterfalls, and hidden beaches. Stop at Big Salmon River Suspension Bridge and take a short hike for some of the best ocean views.

Don’t miss the St Martins Sea Caves where you can go kayaking or stop for lunch and take in the view. This is another bucket list road trip in North America.

Fundy National Park

This park has a many amazing hiking trails, waterfalls, and camping spots. Check out Dickson Falls, take a dip in Bennett Lake, or hike Matthew’s Head for coastal views.

Saint John

Saint John is Canada’s oldest city, sitting right on the Bay of Fundy. Visit the Reversing Falls rapids, stroll through the City Market, and explore Rockwood Park.

Go Whale Watching

The most popular spot to do this is out of St Andrews as we did, and you can often see Humpbacks, Minke Whales, Finbacks and the rare North Atlantic Right Whale. You will also likely spot dolphins, seals, porpoises and bald eagles, all in the Passamaquoddy Bay.

Fredericton

Fredericton is small but it’s still a fun city to hang out. It’s mostly known for craft beer and outdoor activities. Walk along the Wolastoq River, visit local breweries, and check out the Garrison District for history and events.

Finally if time allows I also recommend Ministers Island and Campobello Island, which you can read more about in my New Brunswick road trip article.

Day 7-9: Prince Edward Island (PEI)

Next stop, the incredible Prince Edward Island! You can take the Confederation Bridge or ferry to PEI.

Once you’ve arrived start with exploring Charlottetown, visit Green Gables Heritage Place, and take a seal-watching tour.

Stay at Nature Space Eco Resort for a unique yurt experience. Before leaving, tour a brewery, cidery, and winery for a taste of the best drinks in the area.

Charlottetown

Charlottetown is PEI’s capital and the “Birthplace of Confederation.” Walk along the waterfront, grab food at Founders’ Food Hall, and explore the historic streets all around the city.

Victoria Row

Victoria Row is a car-free street with beautiful, colourful buildings, shops, and cafes. In summer, you’ll find live music and patios perfect for people-watching.

Seal Watching Tour

Take a boat tour to see seals relaxing on the rocks or swimming nearby. If you’re lucky, you might even spot whales or dolphins along the way! What an experience for this East Canada itinerary.

Anne of Green Gables Heritage Place

The Green Gables Heritage Place is the real-life setting that inspired Anne of Green Gables. Walk through the famous Green Gables House, go for a short hike, and visit the museum.

Brewery, Cidery, and Winery Tour

Prince Edward Island has great local drinks, like craft beer, cider, and wine. Whilst you’re here, make sure to visit spots like Copper Bottom Brewing, Double Hill Cidery, and Rossignol Estate Winery for tastings.

Stay at Nature Space Eco Resort

Nature Space Eco Resort is, as the name suggests, an eco-friendly accommodation. It offers unique stays in Mongolian yurts, which are really original and unique. You can relax, go kayaking, or join a wellness retreat in a peaceful natural setting.

Go hiking in the National Parks

Allow some time to explore nature in places such as the Greenwich Dune Trail, Homestead Trail or Gulf Shore Way. Or take a walk along the beach at Covehead Harbour Lighthouse.

If you have more time have a read of these Unique things to do in PEI.

Day 10-14: Newfoundland & Labrador

Start at Gros Morne National Park for hikes and a boat trip on Western Brook Pond. Take the ferry to Labrador to visit Red Bay, a historic Basque whaling site.

Back in Newfoundland, stop in Corner Brook for a Screech-In Ceremony before heading to St. John’s to explore Signal Hill, Jellybean Row, and George Street’s pubs.

Gros Morne National Park

One of the most stunning national parks in Canada, with rugged mountains and great hiking. Don’t miss The Lookout Trail or the unique, orange-hued Tablelands, a rare geological site.

Boat Tour at Western Brook Pond

Hop on a boat and cruise through a the glacier-formed fjords, surrounded by crazy-high cliffs and waterfalls. You’ll need to walk 3km to the dock, but it’s totally worth it. A must-do in Atlantic and East Canada.

Ferry to Labrador

Take the 1.5-hour ferry from St. Barbe to Blanc Sablon, the quickest way to Labrador. You might even see whales or icebergs along the way.

Red Bay Historic Site

A real-life whaling town from the 1500s where Basque sailors once lived. Stop by the interpretive centre or take a boat to Saddle Island to see old whaling sites.

Corner Brook & Screech-In Ceremony

Corner Brook has awesome boat tours and great hiking, but the real fun? Getting Screeched-In—drink some rum, say a few words, and kiss a codfish to become a true Newfoundlander.

L’Anse aux Meadows

Visit the only authenticated Norse settlement in North America, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll find exhibits and re-enactments that are truly impressive.

St. John’s (if you have time)

Bright, colourful houses, wild ocean views, and a fun downtown. Walk up to Signal Hill, visit Cape Spear, and hit George Street for live music and a pint. Definitely a great place to spend the night.

Check back soon after I’ve explored St. John’s and that side of Newfoundland, and check here for more ideas for a Newfoundland & Labrador road trip.

Conclusion: Eastern Canada Itinerary

OK I understand, that’s a lot to take in. Where do you start? Well I suggest picking a handful of places on that list, then put them on Google Maps. From there you can start to see if you need one or two trips, but keep in mind there will be a lot of small spots on the way.

On my personal trips, I like not to rush things. Always allow some time to find your own secret spots and hidden gems. Believe me, Atlantic Canada has a fair few of those.

Whichever way you do it, you’ll have an amazing time and I am sure you’ll fall in love with Atlantic Canada, in fact I guarantee it.